Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 240: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his and the Government's preferred options for the future of An Post, the postal service and the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14991/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 242: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy on the future of An Post; the role he expects the service to play in the communications sector in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14956/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 242 together.

The Government's policy with regard to the future development of the postal service is to ensureIrish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services on a par with the highest quality standards in key comparator economies elsewhere in the EU. Electronic communications services, while providing threats to the postal service in the form of electronic substitution, will also provide opportunities in the form of e-fulfilment. It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focussed network of post offices.

While the Government will support An Post and its network in any way it can, it is the responsibility of the board and management of the company to make strategic decisions regarding its future and how it will prepare itself for future competition, particularly in advance of the full liberalisation of the postal sector, set to happen in 2011. In preparation for competition, it is vital that the company restructures itself effectively and that management and trade unions in An Post work together to transform the company into an efficient, innovative and modern service provider by implementing the agreed restructuring programme and providing innovative new service arrangements for the public.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 241: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions that have taken place with An Post, the postal unions and other interested bodies with a view to ensuring continuation of a reliable next day delivery postal service in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no role in the matter of the discussions that have taken place between An Post, the postal unions and other interested parties in respect of the future of postal delivery services. This is an issue for the Board and management of An Post to decide on. In addition, Communications Regulation (ComReg), the postal regulator, has responsibility for monitoring quality of service standards in relation to the postal service.